The Buzz

Sarah Bunting is one committed blogger. Last year, the author of Tomato Nation, a humor blog, pledged to shave her head if her readers raised $30,000 to purchase supplies for needy schools through DonorsChoose.org. After her fans came through, raising the funds in just days, Bunting kept her word. This year, Bunting exceeded her October goal of $40,000 ($75K at press time). Afterward, she’ll don a red tomato suit to her work site: Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center.

Creative, maker of the Zen media player, has released the MuVo T100, a slim and lightweight new MP3 player. Available only in Singapore, for the time being, the MuVo sports a one-touch button for instant boosting of the bass. With a built-in USB connector, the MuVo also has a convenient thumb drive feature, which allows for the easy transfer of music and data without the need of a separate cable. With the rechargeable built-in battery, users get up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge. The MuVo T100 supports multiple formats: MP3, WMA/WMA (DRM9), and Audible Format 2, 3, and 4. Two GB model: $60. 4 GB: $100. www.creative.com.

Known for its progressive spirit, the University of California, Berkeley, is releasing all of its course lectures and various special events, free of charge, via YouTube. It’s the first such move by a university. Those interested can point their browser to youtube.com/ucberkeley, where anyone can access more than 300 hours of material. Topics range from bioengineering and peace and conflict studies to “Physics for Future Presidents,” the title of a popular campus course. In April 2006, Berkeley launched its podcast program, making audio content available as free downloads through webcast.berkeley.

The new version of the rock wannabe classic gets some new tunes. Just released by Activision, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock has added 17 new tracks by Aerosmith, Bloc Party, Sonic Youth, and The Killers. Fans can purchase a CD of the Guitar Hero III soundtrack, which enables downloading of even more songs through the Xbox Live game. Among the included tracks are: Aerosmith’s “Same Old Song and Dance,” Sonic Youth’s “Kool Thing,” and Bloc Party’s “Helicopter.” (Pictured at right: Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth). www.guitarhero.com.

Ah, the staff of life. Turns out the homey staple also combats repetitive stress injury. The puffy, foam-filled baguette wrist rest pictured at left helps keep the arms of laboring desk jockeys positioned at—what one hopes—is the correct angle to prevent strain. An ideal gift for those for whom a subdued black leather model just isn’t enough, the baguette retails for $19.95. You can buy it from online outfit What on Earth. Also available: “Goblet of Fire” candle holders and other Harry Potter trinkets and a “Bog Monster” that pops up when you raise your toilet seat. Heh-heh. www.whatonearthcatalog.com.

Replug is an ingenious little device that could save you heartache as well as your precious audio equipment. A 3.5 mm audio connector that couples between your headphones and any audio device, Replug turns any standard 3.5 mm audio jack into a breakaway connection. Akin to Apple’s MagSafe power adapter, the device simply detaches itself at the inadvertent yank of the cord, so your iPod, laptop, or desktop won’t go flying. A recipient of the 2007 I.D. Magazine Design Distinction Award, Replug is available online. $17.95. www.replug.com.

Last month, Sanyo began shipping the Xacti HD700, “the world’s smallest and lightest 720p” camcorder, according to the company. The HD700 records in MPEG-4/ AVC/H.264 directly onto a standard SD or SDHC memory card, which is not included. In 7-megapixel still camera mode, the device boasts a “Face Chaser” function that can detect up to 12 faces at a time to assist correct exposure and auto focus. The pocket-sized unit, available in silver, red, or brown, is compatible with Mac’s iMovie 08 video-editing app and comes loaded with Adobe Premiere Elements. $599. www.sanyodigital.com.

PhotoShop is a powerful program geared for imaging professionals, but so much more than the average Joe needs to edit his pictures. Another offering in the category of free, Web-based photo-editing programs, FlauntR has earned favorable reviews, including a selection as an “Editor’s Pick” at the Yahoo application gallery. FlauntR lets users to apply thousands of effects to their uploaded photos, from color drip and blob view to powder spread. Of course, you can overdo it with special effects, but that’s what makes it fun. www.flauntr.com.

Reference publisher Facts On File has announced the addition of hundreds of videos to its Science Online database. Want to see what a black hole looks like? That’s among the 280 Science Online videos that present various topics dynamically, with links to related videos and suggested searches. More video content will be available within FOF’s history products, including American History Online and Modern World History Online. www.factsonfile.com.

Something shiny gets us every time. And you’ll need to don sunglasses to view this beauty. The Samsung ML-1630 is a slim-design monochrome laser printer, which is being sold exclusively through the Apple Store until January 2008. Encased in a Steinway-glossy black finish, the ML-1630 prints at a resolution of 1200 x 600 dpi and a speedy 17 pages per minute. The combined toner cartridge and drum enhances print quality and easy cartridge replacement. The elegant printer measures 13 x 14.7 x 4.8 inches and features USB and PC and Mac compatibility. $200, with free shipping. www.apple.com.